Dear Readers,
Important update! If you read any of this post, read this next paragraph:
If you would like to know how my race is going as I am running it, you can sign up at this website. There, you can elect to have a text message or an email notification when I cross the following checkpoints: Starting Line, 10K (6.2mi), 13.1mi, 30K (18.6mi), and Finish Line. THIS IS COMPLETELY FREE (other than your normal texting fees) and all you need to do is sign in using an email address. Enter your mobile number or email address at which you'd prefer to get the update, and make sure to enter my name: Kevin Franke. If you know anyone else that is running, you can get updates for them, too. Again, click here to track my progress during the race!
Marathon: T-minus 5 days. Wow. I am really approaching freak out time. For a week or two, it's simply been a low, ominous feeling of doom, but now it is materializing itself rather nicely into a very real and very legitimate menace to my poor, defenseless body and mind.
Of course, I'm being dramatic. But, as throughout the entire training process, worry has been my biggest enemy. And I always feel I have something to worry about. Especially now - my right knee is clicking all the time, my right foot arch is very tender and sore, my left hip flexor is pinched, and the ligaments along the back of both of my knees are constantly tightening up. Yeah, I don't like it. I fear that *something* is going crap out during the race - and I don't know how I'm going to handle that.
So, I guess the way to handle it is to not worry about it, stretch the best I can every day, go to physical therapy this week, and just go for it! I will be equipped with plentiful ibuprofen before and during the run, I will have food and water, and thousands upon thousands of people surrounding me. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!
Oh, let's all keep our fingers crossed for Kat to get well soon. Yesterday, she came down with either a real nasty cold or the flu. She's right in the thick of the "super icky" part of being sick. It totally sucks, and I'm not even sick like she is.
Come to think of it, I'd really like to keep it that way. Running the marathon on Sunday with the flu does not sound appealing to me.
Finally, Dear Readers, I would like to remind you that I am still raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (donate here). If you have wanted to donate, but haven't had a chance, the time is now. I would love to know that I have reached my fundraising goal by race day - it would be a great source of inspiration and motivation for me during the race, and, at the very least, one less thing to worry about. You know, because I tend to worry excessively. Excessively.
A lot.
Until next time, Dear Readers,
Your Chronically Worrisome Boy,
Kevin
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Running Update #5
Dear Readers,
A HUGE THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has donated to my cause so far! I have raised over $1,000 and I am so grateful to each and every one of you. I will be personally in touch with each one of you in the coming weeks. It is hard for me to convey just how much I appreciate your support, but seriously - hats off to you! You rock! :-D
But - alas! I am still a ways away from both my fundraising minimum ($1,400) and my ultimate goal of $2,000. If you have taken an interest in my journey since May and thought that you might consider donating, now is a great time to do so. If you have any questions, *please* contact me and I'd be happy to answer them. Here is the link:
Team in Training - Kevin Franke
I will have more information about runner tracking notifications (automatic notifications letting people know when I start, am halfway through, and finish the race) soon.
If you recall, Dear Facebooking Readers, on the first day of September, I declared that I would not shave my beard until at least I had completed the race. Well, I was true to my word. My beard is definitely the biggest it has ever been. It has served as a reminder to stay focused on the race but I'm starting to look pretty weird at work and in classes. My appearance has been likened to such notable long-haired and bearded figures as Jesus and Forrest Gump. I take both as compliments.
To those of you who haven't seen me in a while, here's a ghastly update on my severely neglected physical appearance. To those of you who have seen this in person recently...
I'm sorry.
Until next time,
Your Bearded Boy,
Kevin
A HUGE THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has donated to my cause so far! I have raised over $1,000 and I am so grateful to each and every one of you. I will be personally in touch with each one of you in the coming weeks. It is hard for me to convey just how much I appreciate your support, but seriously - hats off to you! You rock! :-D
But - alas! I am still a ways away from both my fundraising minimum ($1,400) and my ultimate goal of $2,000. If you have taken an interest in my journey since May and thought that you might consider donating, now is a great time to do so. If you have any questions, *please* contact me and I'd be happy to answer them. Here is the link:
Team in Training - Kevin Franke
I will have more information about runner tracking notifications (automatic notifications letting people know when I start, am halfway through, and finish the race) soon.
If you recall, Dear Facebooking Readers, on the first day of September, I declared that I would not shave my beard until at least I had completed the race. Well, I was true to my word. My beard is definitely the biggest it has ever been. It has served as a reminder to stay focused on the race but I'm starting to look pretty weird at work and in classes. My appearance has been likened to such notable long-haired and bearded figures as Jesus and Forrest Gump. I take both as compliments.
To those of you who haven't seen me in a while, here's a ghastly update on my severely neglected physical appearance. To those of you who have seen this in person recently...
I'm sorry.
Until next time,
Your Bearded Boy,
Kevin
Monday, September 28, 2009
Running Update #4
Dear Readers,
It is less than two weeks until the marathon! I can't believe it is this close. Training has been hard, and definitely did not progress how I had planned - but one way or another, I am ALMOST there! The strenuous phase of training is over, and the goal now is to taper and allow my legs to recover for the big day.
I went on my longest training run on Saturday. It was....interesting. The goal was 20 miles, but I only finished 18. At about mile 8, I started to notice that my stomach was not feeling well. I tried to eat (my nutritious but totally inappropriate workout snack of pretzel rods and raisins), but it did not settle well in me. By mile 12, I felt noticeably worse than I did at that point in my past runs. At the end of mile 14.5, I had to stop. I walked half a mile, and was extremely dizzy and pretty weak. Determined to finish, I somehow mustered the will power to finish another 3 miles.
Probably not a good idea.
When I slowed to a walk after the 18th mile, I realized that I was in bad shape. I was pretty much delirious and EXTREMELY dizzy. It was scary as hell. I couldn't eat - it all tasted terrible and my mouth was so dry. The only thing I could do was drink water/gatorade and stare blankly. Thank goodness I had Kat with me - she made sure I didn't pass out. After about 30 minutes, I mustered the strength to bike back home. It turns out my body temp had dropped pretty low. I wrapped myself in blankets and ate and drank as much as I could.
Later that night, I was wolfing down a burger, no problem! So, stop worrying. I'm okay!
Yes, yes, I know -- "Be CAREFUL, Kevin! Are you crazy?!" I need to be much more cognizant of my nutrition during the race. On my run this weekend, I am going to try out some Shot Blocks to see how my stomach handles them. I will stay plenty hydrated and fueled up, and as long as my legs hold up, I'll finish that race!
In the meantime, I still need your help! Although I have had MANY wonderful, generous donations, I still have a ways to go to reach my goal of $2,000! Please consider dusting off that piggy bank and helping me support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Socity! Really, anything will help - $25 or $15 or even $10 bucks...heck, any spare singles you have laying around will all add up in a big way!
The link to donate is here
In the coming weeks, look out for a totally awesome pre-race update or two. I will have more information about race day! Maybe if you're lucky, I'll post a picture of my running beard!
Your Running Boy,
Forrest
It is less than two weeks until the marathon! I can't believe it is this close. Training has been hard, and definitely did not progress how I had planned - but one way or another, I am ALMOST there! The strenuous phase of training is over, and the goal now is to taper and allow my legs to recover for the big day.
I went on my longest training run on Saturday. It was....interesting. The goal was 20 miles, but I only finished 18. At about mile 8, I started to notice that my stomach was not feeling well. I tried to eat (my nutritious but totally inappropriate workout snack of pretzel rods and raisins), but it did not settle well in me. By mile 12, I felt noticeably worse than I did at that point in my past runs. At the end of mile 14.5, I had to stop. I walked half a mile, and was extremely dizzy and pretty weak. Determined to finish, I somehow mustered the will power to finish another 3 miles.
Probably not a good idea.
When I slowed to a walk after the 18th mile, I realized that I was in bad shape. I was pretty much delirious and EXTREMELY dizzy. It was scary as hell. I couldn't eat - it all tasted terrible and my mouth was so dry. The only thing I could do was drink water/gatorade and stare blankly. Thank goodness I had Kat with me - she made sure I didn't pass out. After about 30 minutes, I mustered the strength to bike back home. It turns out my body temp had dropped pretty low. I wrapped myself in blankets and ate and drank as much as I could.
Later that night, I was wolfing down a burger, no problem! So, stop worrying. I'm okay!
Yes, yes, I know -- "Be CAREFUL, Kevin! Are you crazy?!" I need to be much more cognizant of my nutrition during the race. On my run this weekend, I am going to try out some Shot Blocks to see how my stomach handles them. I will stay plenty hydrated and fueled up, and as long as my legs hold up, I'll finish that race!
In the meantime, I still need your help! Although I have had MANY wonderful, generous donations, I still have a ways to go to reach my goal of $2,000! Please consider dusting off that piggy bank and helping me support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Socity! Really, anything will help - $25 or $15 or even $10 bucks...heck, any spare singles you have laying around will all add up in a big way!
The link to donate is here
In the coming weeks, look out for a totally awesome pre-race update or two. I will have more information about race day! Maybe if you're lucky, I'll post a picture of my running beard!
Your Running Boy,
Forrest
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Running Update #3
Dear Readers,
Let me tell you, this running thing - it's not a bad racket. I honestly enjoy the extended self-propulsion across assorted pavements that is distance running in Chicago. Interestingly, I feel antsy and uncomfortable when I am not running. I am proud to say that I am becoming chemically and psychologically dependent on it. I'm high on exercise!
I have good reasons. I find peace during my runs. It is a good time to clear my head and think. I can satisfy my craving for challenge. I blow off serious work, school, and life-related stress. I see nice people. I see nice things. I sweat. I grunt. I get to be manly. These are all very serious needs that I have, and the act of running goes a long way to satisfying them for me. I am really happy that I have taken on this challenge.
However, it's not all sunshine and lollipops. As I mentioned, my knees haven't exactly taken too kindly to the training. Also, following Saturday's 16-mile run, I think I will be losing the toenail on my left second-toe. I will make sure to post gross pictures in case it does happen. Oh, and the blister spanning the entire end of my toe is fun, too!
Undoubtedly, the most difficult experience from marathon training so far has been the constant battle against negativity. It is far more difficult to stay positive and temperate during an extended challenge than it is to doubt and defeat yourself. But all I need is to have a good day and it reminds me of why I'm doing this.
Speaking of which, here is why I am doing this: LLS Team in Training. I am raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help them in their battle against blood cancers. LLS is the philanthropy of my college fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma, and they are a great organization.
Please take a minute and check out that link. And if you can, please consider making a donation to LLS on my behalf. I've got some cool ideas about how I can give back to those who have donated, so look out for them!
And to those of you who have already contributed...THANK YOU!! I want you to know that your support means so much to me and has helped me keep my eyes on the prize. Thanks so much!
Your Running/Schooling/Working Boy,
Kevin
Let me tell you, this running thing - it's not a bad racket. I honestly enjoy the extended self-propulsion across assorted pavements that is distance running in Chicago. Interestingly, I feel antsy and uncomfortable when I am not running. I am proud to say that I am becoming chemically and psychologically dependent on it. I'm high on exercise!
I have good reasons. I find peace during my runs. It is a good time to clear my head and think. I can satisfy my craving for challenge. I blow off serious work, school, and life-related stress. I see nice people. I see nice things. I sweat. I grunt. I get to be manly. These are all very serious needs that I have, and the act of running goes a long way to satisfying them for me. I am really happy that I have taken on this challenge.
However, it's not all sunshine and lollipops. As I mentioned, my knees haven't exactly taken too kindly to the training. Also, following Saturday's 16-mile run, I think I will be losing the toenail on my left second-toe. I will make sure to post gross pictures in case it does happen. Oh, and the blister spanning the entire end of my toe is fun, too!
Undoubtedly, the most difficult experience from marathon training so far has been the constant battle against negativity. It is far more difficult to stay positive and temperate during an extended challenge than it is to doubt and defeat yourself. But all I need is to have a good day and it reminds me of why I'm doing this.
Speaking of which, here is why I am doing this: LLS Team in Training. I am raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help them in their battle against blood cancers. LLS is the philanthropy of my college fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma, and they are a great organization.
Please take a minute and check out that link. And if you can, please consider making a donation to LLS on my behalf. I've got some cool ideas about how I can give back to those who have donated, so look out for them!
And to those of you who have already contributed...THANK YOU!! I want you to know that your support means so much to me and has helped me keep my eyes on the prize. Thanks so much!
Your Running/Schooling/Working Boy,
Kevin
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Running Update #2
Dear Readers,
After a 40-day hiatus, I am back on my feet! My left knee went buggy on me (read: knife-stabbing pain) halfway through a long run on July 18th. I was really bummed about that, and I admit now that I let it get to me pretty bad. My confidence wavered a lot, and I was having some serious doubts about this whole marathon thing.
In the meantime, I had a lot going on. I spent most of the 4 weeks after my injury out of state, conducting my last 32 interviews in that span. I returned and had about 45 contact reports to complete in less than a week. In a stressful few days, I had to tie up all the loose ends of having a traveling job for 8 months (a LOT of work). The very next day, I started graduate school! Talk about switching gears!
Unfortunately, amidst all that running around, I was rarely actually running. Luckily, rest is almost never a bad thing when it comes to injuries, and now my knees are doing great. How do I know?
I completed a long run of 16 miles yesterday!
Huzzah! It took me 2:34'05''.36. My average mile came out to around 10 minutes. My previous long run was 8 miles. Let me tell you, I sure missed running. The thoughts and feelings that pass by while on a long run are incredible. It's a constant flip-flop between pain and pleasure, exhilaration and agony, confidence and self-doubt. Distance running is a sport for the patient, and I am far from patient.
Luckily, Kat was there with me. She rode her bike by my side for the entire time! She gave me food and water when I needed it and helped keep my mind focused and my emotions in check. She even dealt with the awful embarrassment when I got a little delirious and started moaning and yelling incoherently around the 15 mile marker: "ahhHHH Generalll...CUSTER!!" "BANANAS!! in pa-JAMASSS!" "MARMALADE!!!"
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me so far. Your donations and words of encouragement mean so much to me!
I promise you that I will provide regular updates during the final month of training!
Until next time,
Your Running Boy,
Kevin
After a 40-day hiatus, I am back on my feet! My left knee went buggy on me (read: knife-stabbing pain) halfway through a long run on July 18th. I was really bummed about that, and I admit now that I let it get to me pretty bad. My confidence wavered a lot, and I was having some serious doubts about this whole marathon thing.
In the meantime, I had a lot going on. I spent most of the 4 weeks after my injury out of state, conducting my last 32 interviews in that span. I returned and had about 45 contact reports to complete in less than a week. In a stressful few days, I had to tie up all the loose ends of having a traveling job for 8 months (a LOT of work). The very next day, I started graduate school! Talk about switching gears!
Unfortunately, amidst all that running around, I was rarely actually running. Luckily, rest is almost never a bad thing when it comes to injuries, and now my knees are doing great. How do I know?
I completed a long run of 16 miles yesterday!
Huzzah! It took me 2:34'05''.36. My average mile came out to around 10 minutes. My previous long run was 8 miles. Let me tell you, I sure missed running. The thoughts and feelings that pass by while on a long run are incredible. It's a constant flip-flop between pain and pleasure, exhilaration and agony, confidence and self-doubt. Distance running is a sport for the patient, and I am far from patient.
Luckily, Kat was there with me. She rode her bike by my side for the entire time! She gave me food and water when I needed it and helped keep my mind focused and my emotions in check. She even dealt with the awful embarrassment when I got a little delirious and started moaning and yelling incoherently around the 15 mile marker: "ahhHHH Generalll...CUSTER!!" "BANANAS!! in pa-JAMASSS!" "MARMALADE!!!"
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me so far. Your donations and words of encouragement mean so much to me!
I promise you that I will provide regular updates during the final month of training!
Until next time,
Your Running Boy,
Kevin
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A perfect moment in history
Dear Readers,
(Please note this was written July 23 at 4:00pm PT, and due to Blogger error was not posted until the next day.)
I have been trying to calm down for the last hour, but I simply can't. The only outlet for my energy is to preserve this moment in words, so at least I can show my kids something about this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Mark Buehrle just pitched a perfect game.
Nine consecutive innings of 3-up, 3-down pitching, in one game. The enormity of the accomplishment is mind-boggling. The fact that it happened while I was in another state, driving and talking to a stranger and eating a crappy lunch, in a time zone two hours behind, and completely unaware of its occurrence is absolutely crushing to me.
I love my city. I love my team. I love my crappy apartment 3 blocks from Comiskey, a.k.a. The Cell, a.k.a. The Joan. I love it all with a deep sense of belonging and ownership. I have been a South Sider my whole life, and despite a myriad of potentially convincing reasons to jump ship, I sincerely doubt I will any time soon. In fact, my recent life decisions have successively brought me closer and deeper into the South Side location and culture.
I remember starting PAULIE! PAULIE! chants in the bleachers with the LXF before it was fashionable. Frank Thomas's biceps, nostrils, and towering 5-foot waistline were my childhood heroes. Some very close to me could even tell you about the summertime Konerko theme song. And let's not forget Tim Raines.
So it definitely stings a bit that I am sitting in hoitey-toitey California right now. I wish I were with my family, where I was when the Sox won the championship. And if not there, I wish I was watching the game in my apartment, where a 4-minute sprint would have taken me to a scalper or the box-office after the 7th inning so I could watch it all happen in person. Hell, I wish I was able to watch it in any form.
I don't mean to bitch. I really don't. But right now I feel like a hampster. I have so much pent-up excitement, and no amount of time on that god damn wheel will satisfy it. I want so badly to be with my family and/or friends and gush over what just happened today. The people here don't care. I mean, it's San Diego. It's always sunny and it is pretty outside. There's a reggae band playing by the pool.
They just don't get it.
And people who do get it might not even truly get it, because there's so much to get. Let me try to convey. Here's a list of things that make this moment so surreal to me:
Hmm, this is technically a sports blog, right? So I guess now I have to finish the article with a short sentence in a new paragraph that will cause you to pause and think deeply about the profundity of what you have just read.
This is that sentence.
(Please note this was written July 23 at 4:00pm PT, and due to Blogger error was not posted until the next day.)
I have been trying to calm down for the last hour, but I simply can't. The only outlet for my energy is to preserve this moment in words, so at least I can show my kids something about this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Mark Buehrle just pitched a perfect game.
Nine consecutive innings of 3-up, 3-down pitching, in one game. The enormity of the accomplishment is mind-boggling. The fact that it happened while I was in another state, driving and talking to a stranger and eating a crappy lunch, in a time zone two hours behind, and completely unaware of its occurrence is absolutely crushing to me.
I love my city. I love my team. I love my crappy apartment 3 blocks from Comiskey, a.k.a. The Cell, a.k.a. The Joan. I love it all with a deep sense of belonging and ownership. I have been a South Sider my whole life, and despite a myriad of potentially convincing reasons to jump ship, I sincerely doubt I will any time soon. In fact, my recent life decisions have successively brought me closer and deeper into the South Side location and culture.
I remember starting PAULIE! PAULIE! chants in the bleachers with the LXF before it was fashionable. Frank Thomas's biceps, nostrils, and towering 5-foot waistline were my childhood heroes. Some very close to me could even tell you about the summertime Konerko theme song. And let's not forget Tim Raines.
So it definitely stings a bit that I am sitting in hoitey-toitey California right now. I wish I were with my family, where I was when the Sox won the championship. And if not there, I wish I was watching the game in my apartment, where a 4-minute sprint would have taken me to a scalper or the box-office after the 7th inning so I could watch it all happen in person. Hell, I wish I was able to watch it in any form.
I don't mean to bitch. I really don't. But right now I feel like a hampster. I have so much pent-up excitement, and no amount of time on that god damn wheel will satisfy it. I want so badly to be with my family and/or friends and gush over what just happened today. The people here don't care. I mean, it's San Diego. It's always sunny and it is pretty outside. There's a reggae band playing by the pool.
They just don't get it.
And people who do get it might not even truly get it, because there's so much to get. Let me try to convey. Here's a list of things that make this moment so surreal to me:
- The opponent. I will forever hate the Rays. Their stupid dome in Florida. The incessant cowbells. The idiotic glasses on Joe Maddon. The creepy motivational posters in their clubhouse. The fact that they are a very talented, well-balanced baseball team. I don't know which gives El Perfecto more significance: the Sox-Rays rivalry that has developed, or the simple fact that Buehrle dominated so soundly such a quality team.The combination of both makes it a dizzying achievement.
- The timing. Game 4 of a homestand against a solid team. The victory gives the Sox a 3-1 series victory, ties them for first place in the AL Central, and pumps them up as they head to Detroit. If they win the next series, they will gain sole possession of the division lead.
- Historical significance. The 18th perfect game in history? Are you kidding me? Can you imagine what it that feels like? Okay, listen. For a little over six months every year, every single day more than two dozen pitchers get a chance to do what Buehrle did. And, after well over a century of repeated attempts, Buehrls is just the 18th person to accomplish it. Wow. Not only that, but he already has a no-no in his pocket. OnlySandy Koufax, Cy Young, Jim Bunning, Randy Johnson and Addie Joss have done the same thing. Unreal.
- Ridiculous Buehrle career accomplishments. Four-time All-Star. Winning pitcher in '05 All-Star game. Two victories in '05 playoffs. Earned a save in '05 World Series. Has a championship ring. Pitched a no-hitter. Hit a home run. Pitched a perfect game. And get this: he was personally commended by the President of the United States TWICE within nine days. This guy was picked in the 38th round of the amateur draft!
- The man himself. I love Mark Buehrle. He is an elite athlete but he is a tremendous man. To me, he represents the best of White Sox baseball: He is a humble, respectful, hard-working, down-to-earth guy. He plays the game with class. He has a sense of humor. He loves what he does. He loves his wife and kids. He is the type of pro athlete that I truly respect, not some spoiled, mentally-retarded playboy. There's a terrific article about him and his family on ESPN.com (click here). His brother's quote says it all: "He's always told me and his buddies in the past, 'If money ever starts to get to me and I forget where I come from or who I am, slap me around a little bit,' But we've never had to do that."
- Dewayne Wise. De-Wayne is De-man. Ultimate redemption for this guy. How frustrated have Sox fans been with this guy? That must feel so good to come in the game cold turkey and pull off a mostly athletic, partly circus, and 100% clutch catch like that. Also: How'd you like to be that fan in the first row in the bleachers your hands timidly outstretched as Wise makes that catch? Most will tell you that is one of the best catches in baseball history. It will be replayed over and over and over. And there you will be: reaching out and flinching like a goof when he hits the wall, over and over and over.
- Boxscore - Rays: 0-0-0 (beautiful goose eggs), White Sox: 5-6-0. (Buehrle's jersey is #56)
- Home plate umpire Eric Cooper is also #56. Eric Cooper also umpired Buehrle's last no-hitter.
- Buehrle's last no-hitter lasted 2hr 3min. Today's perfect game lasted 2hr 3min.
- Dewayne Wise makes an epic clutch play to preserve a perfect game. Ex-Sox player Juan Uribe blows a routine grounder in mid-8th inning to blow a perfect game less than a month ago.
Hmm, this is technically a sports blog, right? So I guess now I have to finish the article with a short sentence in a new paragraph that will cause you to pause and think deeply about the profundity of what you have just read.
This is that sentence.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Running update #1
Hello Dear Readers!
I must apologize. I have failed miserably at keeping up at my own commitment to myself to keep a public journal. But the wonderful thing about life is that each and every new moment is a moment ripe for lasting change! Well, here's my first official running update!
Yes, I have been training for the Chicago marathon! For real! Okay, I will admit that I have missed a few short runs, but by and large, I am well into my training schedule and I feel great! Well, great, given the circumstances. I mean, I am running about (a bazillion).7% more miles than I have ever ran per week before. So, yes -- I have blisters on my feet. Yes, my knees and ankles hurt too much. Yes, I have chafing in my...well, I have chafing. But the important thing is that I am learning how to be a runner.
Anyway, what I really wanted to tell you all is this:
I am not just training for the marathon for myself. I am raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so they can continue to battle blood cancers by providing funds for research for cures. They also provide money directly to patients currently battling leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma to help them pay the bills for health care.
Placed next to the challenges facing the folks battling these diseases, my struggles are a walk in the park.
Please, please, please -- if you are interested in what I am doing, let me know! I will be happy to give you more updates and let you know how my training is going. And if you find yourself inspired or proud or just want to help out, please consider giving a donation on my behalf to LLS. Here is a link to my fundraising page:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chicago09/kfranke
For now, let me just leave you with some photo evidence of my training. Photo credits go to my lovely Kathryn. And also to my lovely Canon Rebel XSi.
Yes, you see right. I draw deep inspiration from running next to historic Soldier Field, home of DA BEARS, in the heart of MY HOME, Chicago, IL. And yes, I do have Popeye forearm-calves. It is disgusting, I know. Sorry.
Happy trails to you, Dear Reader, until we meet again.
Kevin, a.k.a. Champ, a.k.a. Your Working Boy
I must apologize. I have failed miserably at keeping up at my own commitment to myself to keep a public journal. But the wonderful thing about life is that each and every new moment is a moment ripe for lasting change! Well, here's my first official running update!
Yes, I have been training for the Chicago marathon! For real! Okay, I will admit that I have missed a few short runs, but by and large, I am well into my training schedule and I feel great! Well, great, given the circumstances. I mean, I am running about (a bazillion).7% more miles than I have ever ran per week before. So, yes -- I have blisters on my feet. Yes, my knees and ankles hurt too much. Yes, I have chafing in my...well, I have chafing. But the important thing is that I am learning how to be a runner.
Anyway, what I really wanted to tell you all is this:
I am not just training for the marathon for myself. I am raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so they can continue to battle blood cancers by providing funds for research for cures. They also provide money directly to patients currently battling leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma to help them pay the bills for health care.
Placed next to the challenges facing the folks battling these diseases, my struggles are a walk in the park.
Please, please, please -- if you are interested in what I am doing, let me know! I will be happy to give you more updates and let you know how my training is going. And if you find yourself inspired or proud or just want to help out, please consider giving a donation on my behalf to LLS. Here is a link to my fundraising page:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chicago09/kfranke
For now, let me just leave you with some photo evidence of my training. Photo credits go to my lovely Kathryn. And also to my lovely Canon Rebel XSi.
Yes, you see right. I draw deep inspiration from running next to historic Soldier Field, home of DA BEARS, in the heart of MY HOME, Chicago, IL. And yes, I do have Popeye forearm-calves. It is disgusting, I know. Sorry.
Happy trails to you, Dear Reader, until we meet again.
Kevin, a.k.a. Champ, a.k.a. Your Working Boy
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